Effective leadership can prove to be a major factor in determining the success of a team in all levels of sports. At the high school level, this leadership typically stems from senior veteran athletes who take these influential roles to help guide their team throughout the season; the importance of which cannot be underestimated.
“Being a leader to me is a great responsibility because everyone who plays sports comes into a point of time where showing up for practice is the most annoying thing ever and all you want to do is go home and sleep,” senior lacrosse athlete Zak Bitar said. “As the ‘leader,’ you can’t show that kind of weakness; you have to always be putting your heart into the game to gain the respect of your team.”
Bitar shields off the defender during a match versus Martin County in his sophomore year. (Photo submitted by Zak Bitar)
“Being respectful of other team members and those you compete against is really important,” senior tennis athlete Leighanna Moskos said of her efforts to display leadership. “I make an effort to show up to matches on time and have good etiquette when on the court. I also support all the younger athletes by cheering them on in the match.”
On the field, many leaders hold everyone accountable for their mistakes, keeping an eye on teammates. Ensuring everyone plays their role may directly propel the team to victory.
“My role in the locker room is to be a leader and to make sure everybody’s head is straight before we go out into the game,” senior quarterback Edwin Rhodes said. “I try my best to give advice to the younger athletes and tell them what they should have done or shouldn’t have done.”
Leaders acting as a role model off the field, however, can prove just as important as the role they play on the field.
“I try and set an example for my younger teammates by demonstrating the right things to do on and off the field,” senior soccer player Gaby Scarlett said. “On the field, I correct them if they are making mistakes during the games, and off the field, I am nice and always say ‘hi’ to them when I see them in the hallways, showing that they should always be kind to people, even if they are lower classmen.”
The importance of seniors taking leadership roles and the influential value they provide cannot be taken lightly. Regardless of the level of talent on the team, a presence of a true leader can prove all the difference in a team’s success.
“When I started playing at heritage I was in eighth grade, [and] the seniors at the time put in hard work on the field and it has influenced me to follow. It’s easier to get through a long, hot practice right after school when you have a group of guys you respect to do it with.” Bitar said. “It’s all about never quitting and inspiring your teammates to do the same. Creating a culture of hard work and never giving up is the leader’s job, and it’s one of the most important jobs in sports.”
